MANILA, Philippines - Breitling has reaffirmed its pioneering role in the field of technical watches and instruments for professionals by creating the very first wristwatch with a built-in personal locator beacon (PLB).

The Emergency II is a high-tech gem equipped with a dual-frequency transmitter compliant with the specifications of the Cospas-Sarsat international satellite alert system and serving both to issue alerts and to guide search-and-rescue missions.

Developed in conjunction with major scientific institutes, the Emergency II is distinguished by numerous microelectronic and microtechnical innovations, including a revolutionary rechargeable battery, a miniaturized dual-frequency transmitter and an unprecedented integrated antenna system — three features specifically developed for this model.

As the first-ever wristworn dual-frequency PLB, it establishes itself as a safety and survival instrument in all distress situations on land, at sea and in the air.

In 1995, Breitling launched the first wristwatch with a built-in emergency microtransmitter. Operating on the 121.5 MHz international air distress frequency, the Emergency was designed to enable accurate homing in on pilots or passengers following a plane crash. It was designed for constant wear on the wrist and thus as a complement to the standard onboard aircraft equipment.

The Emergency has been tested and worn in daily use by the finest aviation professionals and the world’s greatest aeronautical teams. It has proven its worth in many search-and-rescue exercises and has become synonymous with safety and reliability for pilots around the globe. Around 40,000 such watches have been sold, and these exceptional instruments for locating and rescuing people in danger have indeed already saved a number of lives.

The new Emergency timepieces are available at the Breitling store in Greenbelt 5. Breitling is exclusively distributed in the Philippines by Lucerne.

Jeepney drivers will be provided with the third tranche of cash assistance this month to help them and their families cope with the crisis caused by the coronavirus disease 2019, presidential spokesman Harry Roque said.

It has become quite apparent from our own experiences and that of other countries during the coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19 pandemic that governments are becoming increasingly reliant on digital technologies to fight the pandemic and mitigate its impact on society and the economy.